Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 791cm Posted on Wednesday 14th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba! After a mixed day of weather yesterday, the accumulation at the base was limited to just 1cm. This doesn't seem to do justice to the condition of the pistes today, where small powder stashes are dotted about the mountain, on the lee-side of tree patches and roll overs. The skies are clear this morning, and despite the cool air temperature of -9°C, it feels pleasantly warm in the sunshine. There is little wind to concern ourselves with. Tonight, we can expect some clouds to roll in, with the potential from further small accumulations. Looking forwards, we have a mixed bag of weather coming up. The remainder of today will be warm and sunny, but by tomorrow the skies will have clouded over again. These are being brought in by a moderate wind, and cause the maximum air temperature to drop to comfortably below 0°C. On Friday, we will have another clearer block of cool air moving through, but the clouds will be back again by Saturday. Light to moderate snowfall is predicted over the weekend. Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 14th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 791cm Number of days snowfall observed 45 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 79cm (reported on 14th December) November 2017 snowfall 46cm observed on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 400cm observed on 18 days January 2018 snowfall 307cm observed on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 38cm observed on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 1012cm Posted on Wednesday 14th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's another good morning from here in Niseko, or technically... Kutchan. I have just measured 26cm of fresh snowfall this morning and nice big flakes of goodness are falling as I write this report. Even they look happy. And I notice that todays haul takes my total observed snowfall for the season (from here at base) to over 10m. Hurray! Conditions were excellent yesterday with some lovely deep conditions easily found. Visibility could certainly have been better but... Remember, there's often (almost always?) going to be more snow on the mountain than I can report from base. And the forecast is showing continued snowfall into next week. Looks like Niseko is delivering for the busy Chinese New Year period. (Though people wanting clear blue skies might get disappointed!) I hope you can be here to enjoy this. I am going to get my gear on now and make my way to the lifts - might see some of you out there. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -11°, 15cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -12°, 40cm new snow, major cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°, W18m/s, 40cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -15°, strong wind to dawn, 40cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW14m/s, 1014hPa, wave 2.4m. A strong westerly wind with snow blew until dawn causing new cornice and snow drift growth above 800m. The wind is starting to drop but is still strong above 1100m. New cornice and snowdrift growth is unstable and easily fractures. Avalanche risk continues to be high. Gate openings still undecided. Please listen to the patrols advice. Today's avalanche risk is the same as yesterdays - High. Especially Osawa cornice face 1000m and Kozan no sawa around 1200m are dangerous. If gates do open, be wise about route choice, Do not stimulate cornices and knolls or traverse steep slopes. Most risks can be avoided be traveling on ridges and riding in forests. Be careful falling into cracks, they are everywhere and cannot be seen because they are covered in snow. The slopes have been reset and the snow has good rebound. Visibility is also better than yesterday. Do not duck ropes and for everyone's safety please respect and follow Niseko Rules. --- Wednesday 14th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 470cm - Base: 240cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating - The top Jumbo Number 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to winds Official snow depth: - Top: 380cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 380cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 14th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1012cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 74 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 113cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 529cm Posted on Tuesday 13th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a nice crispy winter morning and currently -12c in Kitanomine village. Unfortunately there is only a slight dusting of snow to report, but with all the fresh snow and cold temperatures over the last few days there is plenty of good snow all over the mountain. Up high we have a thin cloud layer which is being brightened up by the sun behind it. Visibility is very good and there is now wind. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 13th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 529cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 206cm reported on 22 days January 2018 snowfall 151cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 47cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 758cm Posted on Tuesday 13th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. I am seeing a bunch of different weather conditions going on this morning. Just a short while ago I was up at Kumanoyu and the sun was breaking through the clouds. Back here in Hasuike it's fairly bright and visibility is pretty good - I can see Higashitateyama over in the distance - but some light snow is falling. There's some fresh snow on the ground. Kumanoyu are reporting about 20cm. I am measuring 12cm for the report. Will be interesting to see if we get any more snow out of today or if it clears up. Tomorrow morning might well start off sunny, if local forecasts are correct (with a return to some more snow around Thursday). Should be a good morning, and as we are back to a normal weekday it should be less busy than this past weekend. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 13th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 758cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 326cm reported on 25 days February 2018 snowfall 109cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 480cm Posted on Tuesday 13th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good snow enjoyed by the last of the long weekend crowds yesterday, and check out what the resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba Happo-one: 50cm Hakuba Goryu: 15cm-30cm Hakuba 47: 10-20cm Hakuba Cortina: 10-15cm Today is probably a good example of a day when the numbers can vary quite a lot. Check that out, Hakuba 47 and Goryu are reporting 10-15cm at base and 20-30cm up top. Happo-one is reporting 50cm of fresh snow at the top of the Gondola station. And Cortina is reporting 10-15m across the mountain. I am not implying that any of them are wrong / misleading / incorrect / false (choose your accusatory word!) But it is worth pointing out the differences within relatively small areas. And as I always say, I think it is probably best to take a look at the numbers being reported and kind of average them out to get a general idea of what to expect in a day on the mountain. And those numbers this morning tell me that we should be enjoying another fine day of conditions on the slopes. It is still snowing and hopefully might be for the day; go out prepared for cold conditions and limited visibility. Is that sun and clearer skies expected tomorrow morning? I think it might well be. ----- Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Lifts should be operating as normal Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal - Happo Banks is now open Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 410cm - Usagidaira: 290cm - Lower: 125cm ----- Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Lifts should be operating as normal - The top Alps Number 2/4 pair lifts are scheduled to be open daily until 18th March Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal Official snow depth: - Top: 415cm - Toomi: 150cm - Iimori: 130cm ----- Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts operating as planned - Line D usually operates only when the Gondola is not operating Courses open: - All main courses available Official snow depth: - Top: 365cm - Base: 155cm ----- Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Lifts should be opening as normal Courses open: - All course areas are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 320cm - Han-no-ki: 310cm - Maruyama: 130cm - Shirakaba: 250cm - Champion: 150cm - Oya-no-hara: 150cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 175cm ----- Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts apart should be operating (Lift 5 confirming safety) Courses open: - All courses should be open if safety confirmed Official snow depth: - Top: 340cm - Base: 210cm ----- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Should be opening as normal Courses open: - Most areas open; some restrictions on the Village Side due to competitions (13th-16th Feb) Official snow depth: - Top: 230cm - Base: 140cm ----- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Number 7 should be operating as planned Official snow depth: - 225cm ----- Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Number 8 should be operating Official snow depth: - 195cm ----- Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 150cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 13th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 480cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 158cm reported on 15 days January 2018 snowfall 202cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 73cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 613cm Posted on Tuesday 13th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Some good snow falling at times yesterday, but it curiously didn't result in big numbers. This morning the resort is reporting 1-2cm of fresh snow on the lower slopes and 4-6cm on the upper areas of the resort. So a modest amount of fresh higher up. It is pretty cold this morning and snow is falling. Fingers crossed we get some through the day tomorrow and then we can probably expect to get some sunshine tomorrow morning (along with some fairly mild conditions again). By the way, the West and East 'Kandahar' courses will be open today for general usage. After that, the West Course will be open on Thursday and Friday this week. Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 13th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 613cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 217cm reported on 16 days January 2018 snowfall 325cm reported on 20 days February 2018 snowfall 50cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 32cm Snowfall at base this season 986cm Posted on Tuesday 13th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I have 32cm of fresh snowfall measured and it is still snowing now - and really coming down with some conviction as of 8am. Oh yes. This is good. And if the forecasts are correct, we should be expecting continued snow through the week and at least into the weekend. It is also very cold this morning and visibility is once again limited. Extra care advised today with these conditions. But you should be rewarded for making the efforts. :) I have to post my report before all the resort areas are open so at the moment I don't have any specific news on any possible lift disruptions due to the conditions. Check with the resorts if you need to know. Have a good one! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -12°, 30cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -15.2°, WNW5.8m/s, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -17°, W15m/s, 50cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -18°, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: WNW16m/s. Kamui Cape: W14m/s, 1005hPa, wave 2.0m. The isobars have moved apart a little, the wind has dropped and a lot of snow has fallen. Snowdrift growth is still increasing, development has not been consistent due to wind fluctuations and consolidation is delayed. From this mornings tests, fracture is occurring at 100cm on Feb 11th low pressure snowfall layer and general avalanche risk is high. Main gates will be closed. From the snowfall transition all of Kozan no sawa, Osawa cornice face around 1100m, Mikaeri bowl and Higashi One steep slopes the avalanche risk is high. In strictly off limits areas Haru no Taki and Yunosawa the risk is also high. Pay special attention to slopes with wind ripples, there is risk of a deep fracture. Do not duck ropes to enter out of bounds areas. The snow will settle down tomorrow. Best not to venture too far today, the snow is heavy and deep. Be careful falling down and suffocating. Snowboarders take snowshoes and poles. Skiing requires a bit of speed. Beware frostbite. Have a good day. --- Tuesday 13th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 450cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 380cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 13th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 986cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 87cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 528cm Posted on Monday 12th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a calm morning in the village. Early on there were some strong winds gust sporadically coming through, but these have passed. Yesterday there was significant snow throughout the day and this has amounted to 11cm, which will mean great powder on the resort with up to double that amount at the top I would expect. Cloud is rolling down the resort again today so visibility will be varied. Vis does seem to be improving already. A great day to be out - tomorrows weather looks similar with continuous light snow and cloud. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 12th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 528cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 206cm reported on 22 days January 2018 snowfall 151cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 46cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 746cm Posted on Monday 12th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. It's colder once again this morning and snow is falling with 7cm that I am measuring on the ground; I notice that Kumanoyu are reporting about 10cm. Snowing nicely now too so it might be building up today and perhaps tomorrow too. Sounds good. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 12th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 746cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 326cm reported on 25 days February 2018 snowfall 97cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 467cm Posted on Monday 12th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Ah, I'm glad to be back and also to see some decent snow on the ground this morning. First of all back to yesterday. Visibility seemed to improve soon after my report was posted with bits of sunshine breaking through the clouds which lifted generally showing the lower slopes by mid morning. The day ended up cloudy once again. Bit of a wind at times. A few friends were out on the slopes and they were reporting less than exciting conditions, but this morning I am happy to be able to report a fresh reset. This is how much fresh snowfall the resorts are reporting: Hakuba Goryu: 40cm (top); 15cm (Toomi) Hakuba 47: 25cm (top); 10cm (base) Hakuba Happo: 20cm (top Gondola station) Hakuba Cortina: 10cm Interesting to see Cortina reporting less than the places to the south. I like the look of that 40cm that Goryu is reporting. Worth investigating, though from the other reports it looks like we can expect 20+cm out there. I am measuring 18cm. It's colder too this morning so the snow should be much improved over yesterday. :) Some lifts affected by windy conditions (and 'snow removal') this morning - at 8:30am it looks like top lifts at Goryu, Happo-one and Tsugaike are affected but hopefully they'll get spinning again soon. Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 12th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 467cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 158cm reported on 15 days January 2018 snowfall 202cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 60cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 610cm Posted on Monday 12th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. I'm sorry, while I do have some fresh snow to report this morning, they're not exciting numbers! Just 1-2cm of fresh is being reported by the resort (base to top), and I can add 1cm to the report with a light dusting on my car. It is snowing now though and forecast for the day and hopefully tomorrow too. Definitely colder as well this morning so it feels more winter-like than over the weekend. Let's see what we get from it. Visibility looking rather limited on the mountain, especially on the higher areas. It's the last day of the three day long weekend. Nozawa was a popular choice over the weekend and I suspect this morning will be busy too, though any crowds should start to disperse come the afternoon. And then tomorrow we should be back to a normal mid-season Tuesday. Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 2cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 1cm - Hikage (660m): 1cm - Nagasaka (615m): 1cm - Karasawa (563m): 1cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 315m - Uenotaira (1230m): 255cm - Hikage (660m): 185cm - Nagasaka (615m): 185cm - Karasawa (563m): 140cm Lifts operations: - All scheduled lifts appear to be operating as normal. - The Yunomine pair, Mizunashi triple, Challenge pair and Utopia pair lifts usually rested on weekdays. The following courses either closed (or not fully available): - Grand Prix - Kandahar Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 12th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 610cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 217cm reported on 16 days January 2018 snowfall 325cm reported on 20 days February 2018 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 954cm Posted on Monday 12th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This feels a bit more like it! While there's not a huge amount of snow to report from here at base (14cm), I suspect there's going to be a fair bit more higher up and there'll be more in places lower down too as wind has probably been a factor, blowing it about. Really nice quality snow though and it is very cold this morning. Wrapping up appropriately will be especially important today. As of 8am it is snowing quite nicely too and forecast to continue so things are looking good. Some lifts were affected by strong winds yesterday and wind might well be an issue over the next few days as well. Visibility is looking very limited as well (and increasingly so over the last 30 minutes as I have been putting this report together). I have updated things as they are at 8:30am in the bit below but best to keep an eye on the live conditions with the resorts. --- Sunday is typically the day when my reports gets read the least. I'm suitably outraged! And Monday is typically when they get read the most. Or so I hear. And so forgive me for copy-pasting something that I posted yesterday, as I'd like some of those naughty people who didn't tune in yesterday to see it. Here goes: It's busy-busy-busy here at the moment. I went out to meet a some friends for a few drinks last night and was reminded at just how busy Hirafu can get, particularly in this peak part of the season. I usually don't venture out in the evening during this period - one less person at the bar is probably better for everyone! There's certainly a party atmosphere though, and everyone where I was seemed to be having a blast. And with the Chinese New Year holidays from this week, things are being ramped up that bit more. This year Chinese New Year is on 16th February - please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the festival period lasts for 15 days from Chinese New Year Eve to Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year with holidays from 15th-21st February. The slopes, the bars, the restaurants... are going to be busy! Planning for all these things is recommended. Here's to large doses of fun (and fresh snow) for everyone. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -12°, wind blown snow, 10cm new snow, snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -15°, NW19m/s, major cornice and snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -18°, WSW20m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -19°, strong gusty westerly winds, 10cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW19m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW16m/s, 1002hPa, wave 2.6m. A typical winter weather pattern has returned, the base of the mountain is experiencing a snowstorm, new snowdrift growth is fracturing easily on the layer of low pressure snowfall from Feb10-11th and the avalanche risk is very high. Osawa elevation 800-1000m there is possibility of surface generated avalanche with fracture face more than 60cm. Danger is similar on all SE facing slopes and other slopes where rapid snowdrift growth from the strong wind has occurred. All top gates will be closed, do not duck ropes to go out of bounds. Most avalanche accidents occur on leeward snowdrift slopes during bad weather. Strong wind and snow can cause extremely rapid cornice and snowdrift growth in a short time. Even though the amount of new snow is small, when conditions are right an avalanche will occur. Do not disregard the danger of the storm. Isobars do not tell a lie. Have a safe day. --- Monday 12th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating - Top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts on hold at start of the day due to strong winds and poor visibility Official snow depth: - Top: 430cm - Base: 215cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating - Top Jumbo Number 4 lift on hold at start of the day due to strong winds and poor visibility - The Gondola might be delayed by about 30 minutes Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 230cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 12th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 954cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 55cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. 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